New River Gorge National River in West Virginia encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River as it tumbles over waterfalls and winds through picturesque valleys. High points offer dramatic and expansive views of mountains, forests and the rugged river. Descending closer to the flowing waters gives visitors a chance to scramble over smooth stones and marvel at one of the park’s many waterfalls. Sandstone Falls marks the transition zone of the New River from a broad river of wide bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river roaring through a deep boulder strewn gorge. Photo by National Park Service.

On the one mile Yahoo Falls loop trail at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in Kentucky, visitors can actually walk behind the waterfalls as they plunge 113 feet over the large rock shelf. In the deep forest, passing from sun to shade with the roar of the water in your ears and the spray of mist on your skin, it’s an adventure for all your senses. It’s just one of the many spectacular outdoor experiences you can have in this wonderful 125,000-acre park. Photo by Tom Wood (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Sunlight streaming through leaves, the chirps and squeaks of birds and animals in the trees, and the rich scents of the outdoors make the forest a happy place for many people. Today on International Day of Forests, we recognize these special places and their importance to wildlife and recreation. Photo of the Sol Duc rainforest at Olympic National Park in Washington by Adam Jewell (www.sharetheexperience.org).

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was born – making it the world’s first national park. Today, millions visit Yellowstone to discover the park’s geysers and mud pots, forests and lakes, and historic cabins and prehistoric sites – not to mention it’s stunning waterfalls. Check out 7 surprising facts about Yellowstone as we celebrate the park’s birthday: http://on.doi.gov/24zbV9d

The Potomac River roars over rocks and ice in this winter shot from Great Falls Park in Virginia. A short drive from downtown Washington, D.C., Great Falls and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the opposite bank in Maryland offer terrific outdoor recreation. Locals will tell you, it’s home to some of the best views and hiking in the area. Be sure to obey all signs and stay away from the falls. Photo by National Park Service.

If you’re looking for fall colors on public lands, Blue Hen Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park has to be on the list. An easy drive from Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, the falls are one of the most popular spots in the park and a great place to #OptOutside. Decked in orange and yellow leaves, the forest around the picturesque falls is peaceful and welcoming. Photo by Jennifer Lhost (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The 101-foot tall Rainbow Falls is just one of the many natural wonders found at Devils Postpile National Monument in California. Nestled in pristine mountain scenery, the Devils Postpile formation is a rare geologic spectacle of hundreds of symmetrical basalt columns. Lucky glimpses of black bears and pine martens amaze hikers. Wildflower blooms bring vivid color to the landscape. Don’t you want to see it all now? Photo by Cat Connor (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Gifford Pinchot is often called the “Father of American Forestry.” His life and legacy shaped American conservation and our public lands. Celebrate his birthday and check out his story https://on.doi.gov/Pinchot Photo of Gifford Pinchot National Forest by Pat Di Geronimo (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Among one of the most inspiring vistas in the world, Tunnel View provides a perfect sunrise view of Yosemite National Park in California. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background. This view gets its name from its location at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel. If you haven’t seen it for yourselves, put it on your bucketlist now. Photo by David Laurence Sharp (www.sharetheexperience.org).